For a description of the Sunday School Nativity Play see under "Groups" and then "Sunday School"

Friday December 23rd - The Baptist Minister (Dr Andy Christophedes) and I took part in the Community Carol Singing at the Village Hall. Andy reminded us that last year it had to be cancelled because of the snow. Do you remember? Andy and I share the service out in two halves, by introducing the Carols and telling the story of the Saviour. After the first half there is festive mulled wine, which is most acceptable. Here is a picture of some of the local Community Councillors and others during the break.

I am very pleased to say that we did have the help of some very talented musicians from Caersalem Baptist Chapel. Here they are: 

 Dr Christophedes and I took the time to advertise Christmas services and we found out that he had a much easier time than me!

At 5pm on Christmas Eve we had Christmas Carols and the Christmas story told by a crazy Vicar who got everything wrong and had to be helped by the children. According to him Griselda got visited by an angel. Anyway the children helped to place the crib figures one by one on the altar until they formed a crib scene. 

The figures are made of olive wood from Bethlehem and were carved by a Palestinian gentleman who used the money to pay for a by-pass operation. This made us feel very good as the figures had been donated. The church was almost full for this service and great compliments were received. 

As you see the eucharistic vessels are behind the figure and people looked at them as they came to receive Holy Communion. 

At 11.30 on Christmas Eve we celebrated the first Eucharist of Christmas and again the church was almost full and c60 people received Holy Communion. We also heard Christmas greetings from our friends in our link parish in South Africa - St Francis Alberton, Diocese of the Highveld. Apparently they were very warm! (We pray for Bishop David; Fr Reggie; Cynthia and our friends every Sunday and every day) Although we were all happy there were a few a little more happy than others - their happiness being induced by something other than the Saviour's birth. One gentleman attempted to genuflect and found himself going backwards. 

Christmas morning was nice with services at 9.00 and 10.00 and approximately 15 and 20 communicants, respectively inc children and toys. 

Then back home for a quick G&T before the crazy preparation of the food for our friends and a little tidy up of Santa's Grotto. Yes "we did have a happy Christmas", the church was full twice, Mrs Vicar and I excahnged kisses and pressies, we also received pressies from parishioners and friends, many of which will help people in the the 3rd World - THANK YOU!!!                Oh - here is Santa's Grotto with the Baby Jesus hiding behind somewhere - get the message?

Well it ain't over yet but that's it for now. May the peace of the Christ Child be with you all as we celebrate Messiah's birth.